The incumbent will serve in this entry level assignment until the performance level of Medical Instrument Technologist, Diagnostic Ultrasound, GS-649-7 is reached. The incumbent performs the most complex ultrasound examinations. The responsibilities of this position are to perform a variety of ultrasonic technical studies in the application of non-ionization high frequency waves to patients for diagnosis of disease and other abnormalities and assist physicians during interventional procedures.

Duties

Duties Include but are not limited to the following: Performs a variety of routine small part, abdominal, gynecologic (pelvic transabdominal and endovaginally), obstetric (emergent first trimester), and breast examinations in accordance with established practice guidelines. Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team. Performs invasive/special procedures utilizing surgical sterile techniques. Responsible for obtaining pertinent diagnostic examinations through knowledge of both normal and abnormal human anatomy and pathology. Assists the radiologist with interventional procedures such as biopsies and fluid drainage. Controls technical factors on ultrasound unit, which will affect time, gain, amplitude, velocity, frequency, attenuation, absorption, reflection, scattering, refraction and diffraction. Selects between a multitude of transducers and determines the appropriate one for each exam and eventuality. Advises radiologist or referring physician of results of exams. May perform other related duties as deemed necessary such as, but not limited to, answering telephones, scheduling patients, inventories, PACS database reconciliations, room utilization, equipment maintenance records, reject analysis, and productivity studies. Work Schedule: Weekend Tour: Friday, Saturday, Sunday,& Monday (8a.m. to 6:30p.m.) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27. Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations". May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS-08 Requirements: (a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided the overall knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct diagnostic ultrasound examinations in complex and unusual cases. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Ability to perform diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to, the abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts, thyroid, breast, and scrotum. 2. Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc. 3. Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled. 4. Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations. (c) Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. (d) Assignment. This represents the full performance level for medical instrument technician ( diagnostic ultrasound). At this level the technician is required to perform a full range of procedures including special complicated examinations for which there are no standard instructions or procedures. They perform independent portable ultrasound examinations in the intensive care units, emergency room, surgery, and throughout the Medical Center when required. They also work independently on evenings, nights, and weekend tours of duty as scheduled and/or when on call. Please note: Education may be substituted to meet the GS-4 and GS-5 levels for progressive experience/education as follows:GS-4: Successful completion of two years of education above high school or an associate's degree with a major field of study directly related to the medical instrument technician occupation.GS-5: Successful completion of 4 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, or a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to medical instrument technician functions. References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standards. Physical Requirements: Lifting (15 lbs and over); carrying (up to 20 lbs); pulling and pushing (up to 2 hours); reaching above shoulder; standing and walking (up to 3 hours); bending (up to 1 hour); use of fingers/hands; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13 - 16"; hearing (aide permitted)

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Durham VA Medical Center 508 Fulton Street Durham, NC 27705 US
• Name: Cedric Mckinzie
• Phone: (504)909-9067
• Email: [email protected]